7 Relationship Resolutions Every Couple Should Make

And how to keep them!

Work out more, eat better, save money—yada, yada, yada. This time of year, everywhere you turn (or click) is flooded with ideas and suggestions for New Year's resolutions you can make for 2019.

More often than not, these are great resolutions to make, but they are typically individual resolutions for individual gains. So, why not explore making resolutions as a couple, too?

Evaluating areas within your relationship that can benefit from a bit of a reworking or a fresh approach is an excellent way to head into the new year. Working together on these can only leave you feeling more connected and lead to positive outcomes.

More Eye Contact

Ever notice that eye contact seems to be fleeting? With so many distractions in our day-to-day exchanges, sometimes we struggle to really look into the eyes of the people that matter most. This year, why not make it a point to really look at your partner, even during the most casual of conversations?

They say eyes are the windows to the soul, and by doing so you’ll soon be able to feel even more connected, aware of your partner's emotional state, and it’s said eye contact can even increase arousal. Enjoy!

More Dates

If this sounds like it might be too hard due to your busy schedules, then it’s even more important you work towards this resolution. Perhaps you need to reassess your definition of date night—it doesn’t always mean getting dolled up and spending lots of money on a "night out."

Dates can simply mean cooking at home together, seeing a movie, going for walks, or even day dates (see more of our cute and unique date ideas here!). Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been married for quite some time, it’s so important to make time to be together, regardless of how it happens.

Disconnect

Less smart phone time is good for everyone, but when you tackle it as a couple it’s even more powerful and rewarding. How many times have you sat across from one another at dinner, or on the couch, and a significant amount of time has gone by before another word or glance was exchanged? We’re almost all guilty of it, but that doesn’t mean it can’t change!

Start by making dinnertime a no-phone zone, or perhaps you resolve to not scroll Instagram after a certain time or after you enter the bedroom. Regardless of how you choose to get there, the less time you spend on the phone, the better off your relationship will be.

Set and Achieve Goals

You don’t have to be the power couple of the year, but by setting attainable goals throughout the year you’ll be bonded together by the thrill of the chase as well as the sweetness of achievement. Perhaps you want to save for a dream vacation, work towards a milestone within your profession, cross off bucket list items together or commit to meal-prepping each week.

However big or small, setting goals is a great way to work together, strengthen your partnership, and reap the benefits of your work.

Be Kids Again

Adult life can get a bit monotonous. Between work, bills, chores, and social obligations, adult-ing is not as glamorous as your 15-year-old self may have once thought. So why not resolve to find your inner kid again? Find ways throughout the year to be spontaneous, fun, and get your hands dirty. Not acting your age can ignite a new passion and sense of humor within your partnership.

Maybe next time you’re walking through the park, stop to play on the swings. How can you not enjoy that?

Declutter

Whether all those Christmas gifts are struggling to find space when the tree goes into storage, or you’ve been a bit too Amazon-happy in 2018, de-cluttering your life can do wonders for your living space and your soul.

Vowing to live with less can begin with a massive overhaul, donating things you no longer need to a charity or shelter where they can be put to good use. Once complete, you can then enjoy living amongst clear spaces à la Marie Kondo and find joy with less.

Make Out More

This one is so easy, anyone can do it! If you’re in a bit of a romantic rut or simple pecks on the cheek before and after work have become your norm, rekindle some of your physical passion by promising to make out more in the new year. Seriously, when’s the last time you had a quick make out session before leaving for work? If it’s been a while, give it a whirl and you might see an increase in feelings of romance, desire, and intimacy. It quite literally can’t hurt.